Never understood that criticism. Cuts inside? Of course, that's exactly what he was there to do. Why else play a very left sided player wide right. It was the whole point. Predictable perhaps, but also effective. Scored against both Notts County and Lincoln switching the ball to his left foot in a wide right position.
Robins got it right with JJ last season, would often switch from right to left during a game, as we saw against NC, scored his 1st two from the right and scored his 3rd playing down the left. Very effective.
JJ has learnt a lot under Robins and his team
Managers and coaches at other teams have a much higher opinion of JJ than some of our fans although he was winning most fans over prior to his injury
Jones and Andreu may take time to find form after such a long time out with injury.
Bayliss and Shipley should be thinking the shirt is theirs to lose.
People like Alassani, JCH and Ponticelli should be busting a gut in training and friendlies to start in the team. Last season has gone, its form this season that counts and should shape the team.
I’ve seen it noted on here about his tackling...I just haven’t particularly noted it myself. If this is the case, like I say, maybe he’s just not that sort of player?
I think most of the new players are unknown quantities so, in respect of the squad, who has he suddenly dropped behind?
Then why use age as a reason to cut some slack? If a player is good enough age doesn't matter. If he is playing in our first team I expect him to be good enough for the shirt and, in my opinion, he isn't for the level we are at for reasons I already mentioned.
So what? He is an exception like Ronaldo was. Most players breaking into football are nowhere near that standard, but it doesn't mean they can't develop and have a career. This notion players are a finished product by the time they are in their 20's is nonsense.
Then why use age as a reason to cut some slack? If a player is good enough age doesn't matter. If he is playing in our first team I expect him to be good enough for the shirt and, in my opinion, he isn't for the level we are at for reasons I already mentioned.
Shipley is not the finished article - but last season was his first season, and he progressed immensely
Without him and Bayliss stepping up on the back of the injuries, and the turn around in McNulty and Biamou - we would have been in the bottom half
The defence and central mid had been sound from day 1, but those 4 players stepping up to the plate are what secured promotion
We need to ensure this season, (And that is what MR is doing) is ensure we are not so thin on the ground. We were probably 1 more key injury away from disaster in terms of promotion last season